Is Pembroke, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.9/100
waterverge.com Pembroke, VA — Water Quality Report
Pembroke's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,167 residents using gup.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 85 violations on record, including 65 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pembroke's water
Pembroke ranks #186 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
As a small community water system, Pembroke may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pembroke, VA water safe to drink?
Pembroke's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,167 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Pembroke
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pembroke's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pembroke's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Pembroke's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 65 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Giles County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Walker Creek.
Where does Pembroke's water come from?
Pembroke's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,167 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Walker Creek (river).
What Pembroke residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pembroke's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Pembroke's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Pembroke
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pembroke, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 61,016 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CELANESE ACETATE LLC - CELCO PLANT NARROWS, VA24124 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 60,568 | 6.9 mi |
LHOIST NA OF VIRGINIA INC KIMBALLTON AREA 1 RIPPLEMEAD, VA24150 | Lead compounds | 448 | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGiles County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Giles County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pembroke's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pembroke compares by contaminant
Explore where Pembroke ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pembroke's water comes from
Pembroke's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,167 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pembroke
Pembroke is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pembroke
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEMBROKE, TOWN OF | VA1071665 | 1,167 | GUP |
How Pembroke compares
Full Virginia rankings →Pembroke's score of 65.9/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Pembroke, VA
Wikipedia →Pembroke is a town in Giles County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Pembroke had a population of 1,152. It is part of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pembroke's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Giles
Frequently asked questions
Is Pembroke, VA tap water safe to drink?
Pembroke's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #186 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Pembroke's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Pembroke's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Pembroke?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pembroke's water come from?
Pembroke's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,167 residents.
What health violations has Pembroke's water system had?
Pembroke has 65 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pembroke's water compare to other cities?
Pembroke ranks #186 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 19% of state cities) and #11450 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pembroke's small water system affect quality?
Pembroke's system serves approximately 1,167 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 85 violations on record.